x635

Check out this story: http://www.lafdmuseum.org/2006/12/december_valor.html I think you'll like it. I HIGHLY reccomend reading this!

Apple unveiled a new cell phone today at the MacWorld expo in San Franciso. The new phone will run on a MacOS X operating system. The phone will be entirely touch screen. Could there finally be a phone that Homer J. is compatible with? Also, Apple announced a device that will allow you to watch TV shows and movies downloaded on your iPod on your home television. I have a feeling that these will be some pretty cool technology revolutions....

And I thought "Rescue Me" gave firefighters a bad rap. This show doesn't seem poised to shed a positive light on Law Enforcement. However, I will give this show the benefit of the doubt first. This series looks like it can be quite interesting. Premieres THIS Wednesday at 8PM on CBS (NY Channel 2) Through a rumor from a friend who works at CBS development, if this series is succesful, then they are going to try a "firefighter version"

I must admit, I was pleasantly suprised by the show. They really skimped on the training footage though- according to blogs about this show, the celebrities did a lot more classroom and other training then they actually showed. The celebrities, for who they are, acted quite professional. For those interested, there's another episode airing tonight at 8PM EST on CBS.

The new Eastchester Car 2102 is now in service. [attachmentid=1859] (Photo by x635, http://www.x635Photos.com) It's a 2007 GMC Yukon XL. Outfitting of all the equipment in the truck was done by the Eastchester FD shops. This truck has an awesome lighting package. LED's everywhere, including the tailgate (when you raise it), in the foglights, on the running board, on the side view mirrors, in the grill. You can really see this 2102 coming. It also has a nice compartment for the Captain's gear and SCBA, as well as portable and flashlight charger, Knoxbox key, and keybox for various buildings within the district. This compartment is located on what would be the back passengers side door. The rear of the truck carries various equipment, as well as the firefighters (2102 driver) gear and SCBA. It is all mounted on slide out tray, making the equipment very easy to access. The radio and light controls/sirens are neatly mounted in the middle console, and it looks very clean and well done. I screwed up these shots big time because I was quite tired this AM, so I will try to return to get better shots...it's a really nice truck, and sees quite a bit of use. I hope the Eastchester FD captains and FF enjoy it! More photos have been posted on http://www.emtbravo.com Special thanks to those involved in setting this up for me!

I wonder if this will finally send a wake-up call to Nextel to improve service? Offsetting the gains, however, was a net decline of 306,000 direct subscribers driven by a continuing exodus of Nextel subscribers amid frustration over worsening service quality

The only thing I really HATE about Nextel is their customer service. Whenever I have a problem, it seems I get transferred around to different departments a minimum of 5 times before I reach someone who can resolve my problem. But, when I do reach that person, they usually are really helpful. For instance, on Sunday, I had a problem uploading my contact list. I spoke to 5 different customer service reps, including 1 at a Nextel store, and no one could figure out my issue. Finally, I callled back Nextel, was transffered 3 times, and the third person was able to help me resolve the issue within a minute. If my experiences are typical, then I understand fully why they are losing customers for other reasons then their reception.

Thanks for the awesome info FDNY99!

I'm also intersted to know what's up with this? Should be an very nice looking piece....

Still waiting on an announcment from jetBlue....hope this doesn't fall through because of HPN's very restrictive operating rules.

Even more exciting jetBlue news this week! Earlier in the week, The Journal News published an article that jetBlue won slots at Westchester County Airport. Today, jetBlue made an annoucment...not announcing service from Westchester, but they announced service from JFK nonstop to San Francisco International Airport begining May 3rd. Currently, jetBlue has nonstop service into Oakland, another city in the Bay area adjacent to San Francisco. I have a feeling this move is to get an up on the soon-to-be-launched Virgin America, whos main route will be JFK-SFO. And for those who have been wanting to go to San Francisco, the introductory fare is $99! jetBlue just keeps getting better and better.........

On Monday, I watched "An Inconvienent Truth", the Al Gore movie on global warming. It was fascinating, but scary. I think everyone should watch it. It's sad, especially learning that polar bears will drown and become extinct. I know some probaly disagree with the movie or global warming, but I think it is a proven reality that needs to be addressed, before it's too late. Watch the movie, then argue with me. And, with the weather being the way it's been lately, and after interviewing several "old-timers" (those over 30 years old), I've learned these winters have had more extremes and less regular snowfalls and cold spells then years past. I know I'll be saying "Global Warming- Phooey!" when I'm shoveling snow and it's 30 degrees out soon, but I still don't think winter in New York is anything like it used to be. http://www.climatecrisis.net/

Date: 1-9-07 Time: 2200hrs Location: Saw Mill River Rd. (Route 9A) and Benedict Ct. Frequency: 46.26 Units Operating: Fairview FD Engine 175, Rescue 3, Utility 7, Greenburgh PD, Greenburgh PD*EMS Description Of Incident: One car MVA into the woods with entrapment. One occupant, DOA. Writer: x635 2202: E-175 on location 2203: R-3 on location 2204: U-7 on location, establishing "Route 9A Command" 2220: E-174 responding on seperate EMS call at Granada Crescent 2226: Route 9A Command reports Fairview units remaing on scene, assisting GPD 2240: Engine 175 in service, R-3 remaining to assist GPD 2250: Engine 174 in service, minus one firefighter who is assisting GPD*EMS with transport to White Plains Hospital (on Granada Crescent job). 2300: All Fairview units clear, Route 9A Command Terminated

Passed along to me by WREMSCO email list:

Date: 1-9-07 Time: 1400hrs (Approx) Location: Lowell Line Northbound, in area of Anderson Station/Salem Street Departments: Woburn FD, Action Ambulance, Woburn PD, MBTA PD Description: MBTA Boston-bound commuter train struck a MBTA "Petibone speed swing" (specific type of railway maintenance vehicle) that was on the tracks. Two workers were killed, and one other is seriously injured. No serious injuries to train passengers or train operator. Links: http://cbs4boston.com/topstories/local_story_009135028.html Writer: x635

What is the definition of a Rescue Company? Is it pertaining to the apparatus, or the personel on the apparatus? When you request a rescue truck, are you expecting a truck full of tools or a truck with personel highly trained in rescue operations? Which one SHOULD it be?

My view on the question I asked: I firmly believe that a rescue company should be defined by it's membership's staffing level, education, and EXPERIENCE. Also, appropriate manpower levels play into a rescue comany's role. In my opinion, the rescue company should be the cream of the crop in firefighting. Even if you don't have all the tools, if you have the knowledge and experience, you'll be able to improvise and handle anything. There's too many people walking around calling themselves part of a ""Rescue Company" with no formal training in such. It's much more then a big toolbox...

I saw this video in Probie school. Although this is an embarrasing moment for that department, it also goes to show the power that photos and video have. I think many people have learned about the dangers of garage doors, and/or it really sticks in their head, after watching this video. And not only does this apply to just garage door, this applies to any door- especially those you are running a hose line through.

Here's something I want to know. Why is Third Watch-The Complete First Season, an American show, available in Europe on DVD, but not the US? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Watch-Comple...4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd I'd love to get this, but apparently I can't watch a "Region 2" DVD on my DVD player at home here in the US. What is up with that? Amazon explains it here http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/d...8&nodeId=502554 But I still don't get the point of it... Oh well, hopefully one day it will be released on DVD here, like the multitude of other shows. I miss it, especially since A&E stopped airing it in the fall.

Is this legal? And what is the quality like?

Osewgo, I'm actually quite satisfied with my current Tamron 18-200. I need the wide angle for apparatus shots, and the zoom for other kinds of shots. This lens is very versatile, and I don't have to change lens for different shots. Anyways, I spoke with Tamron, Samys Camera, and B&H Photo yesterday. Tamron states the lens is tentatively scheduled to be released in March, and the dealers state they have not even been provided with info that Tamron is releasing this lens yet. Amazon.com, however, has it listed for a January 15th release date and is already available for pre-order.

Just a heads up, Emergency! Season 3 is scheduled for release on February 13, 2007.

Congrats Officer Valdez!

While reading the Enterprise newspaper today, a name that I had seen a lot caught my eye. I learned that Robert Stone passed away on December 27th, following a series of small strokes. He was 86 years old. The only way I knew Robert was through his writings for 1st Responder Newspaper, where he was a senior corrospondent right up until the day he died. I always wondered who he was, after seeing his numerous in-depth Westchester Fire service related articles in that newspaper. I was constantly curious as to where he got his sources and his information, and asked myself why he never showed up on this forum....little did I know he was in his 80's. According to his obituary, he was an Irvington resident for 22 years. He was an avid fire buff. He was named an Honorary Battalion Chief for FDNY following 9/11, and member of the NYC Fire Museum Board Of Trustees. He volunteered at the Irvington FD, and also joined the Kinston Cornell Hose Company #2 in Kingston, NY- his hometown- in 1938 as a volunteer firefighter. He was a newspaper reporter for many years, before moving on to a career in public relations, where he recieved many industry honors. I will miss his articles in 1st Responder.

13 years ago, on January 8th 1994, Pleasantville Volunteer Firefighter Tom Dorr was murdered while walking through Graham Hills Park, on his way to the firehouse for a blizzard standby. Tom was 100 yards away from his house where he was killed. Tonight, Pleasantville FD is holding a memorial service. Tom's killer has yet to be found. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. One of the main reasons PFD does this, besides to honor Tom's memory, is to keep his unsolved murder in the public eye. I hope tonight brings some press coverage that leads this cold case to a resolution, to bring closure to his family and PFD brothers. I also hope that the neighboring FD's come out to show their support.